fiat
[fee-aht, -at; fahy-uh t, -at]
- an authoritative decree, sanction, or order: a royal fiat.
- a fixed form of words containing the word fiat, by which a person in authority gives sanction, or authorization.
- an arbitrary decree or pronouncement, especially by a person or group of persons having absolute authority to enforce it: The king ruled by fiat.
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Origin of fiat
1625–35; < Latin: let it be done, 3rd singular present subjunctive of fierī to become
fiat justitia, ruat caelum
[fee-aht yoo s-tee-tee-ah roo-aht kahy-loo m; English fee-aht juhs-tish-ee-uh roo-at see-luh m, fahy-uh t]
- let there be justice though the heavens fall.
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fiat lux
[fee-aht loo ks; English fee-aht luhks, fahy-uh t]
- let there be light.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
edictdecreedictumpermissionordinanceendorsementpreceptcommandsanctionmandatedictatewarrantauthorizationukaseExamples from the Web for fiat
Contemporary Examples
But the recent batch of polls shows Americans to be, what else, deeply split on whether Obama was right to do this by fiat.
The Senate had, in fact, been in pro forma session when Obama issued his fiat that the body was in recess.
Coinbase and Vault of Satoshi both allow users to purchase Bitcoin with dollars and other fiat currency.
He has opted for Fiat cars instead of the armored Mercedes “Popemobile” favored by his predecessors.
He also was named to the Group Executive Council (GEC) as head of Fiat Brand and CMO for Fiat in September 2011.
The Hero Summit 2013 SpeakersSeptember 10, 2013
Historical Examples
The fiat demanded no limitation to her stay with “sister” Emma.
The Hound From The NorthRidgwell Cullum
He had to meet the tired, sweet servitors without and announce a man's fiat.
The PrisonerAlice Brown
Fiat voluntas &c. thy will be done in earth as it is in heuen.
Shakespeare Jest-Books;Unknown
He became the umpire of taste, and his word was received as the fiat of fashion.
Evenings at Donaldson ManorMaria J. McIntosh
The judge at last rises, and, with mock solemnity, delivers his fiat.
Barn and the PyreneesLouisa Stuart Costello
fiat
- official sanction; authoritative permission
- an arbitrary order or decree
- mainly literary any command, decision, or act of will that brings something about
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Word Origin
C17: from Latin, literally: let it be done, from fierī to become
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for fiat
n.
"authoritative sanction," 1630s, from Latin fiat "let it be done" (also used in the opening of Medieval Latin proclamations and commands), third person singular present subjunctive of fieri, used as passive of facere "to make, do" (see factitious). Also sometimes a reference to fiat lux "let there be light" in the Book of Genesis.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper